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The Childgrove
"The Childgrove is a poignant and compelling read that will linger in the minds of readers long after the story concludes. I would certainly recommend it to fans of unique and original fiction everywhere." READERS' FAVORITE 5-STAR REVIEW.
“Time is not what you think it is.”
In the summer of 1966, nine-year-old John is thrust into a mystery where his own voice beckons him towards a truth he has carried since birth—a truth with an unspeakable cost.
Meanwhile, across the years, in 1914, another young soul named Edward grapples with the haunting family secrets that bind him. Linked by threads of tragedy, redemption, pain, and triumph, their parallel journeys converge, and the bond between the two boys transcends the limitations of time itself, imparting lessons that echo across the ages. As the narrative unfolds, questions arise: Can these two boys truly cross paths, or are they somehow each other’s imaginary friends?
Set against the fading glory of old St. Joseph, Missouri, ‘The Childgrove’ invites you on a 109-year voyage through a genre-bending, semiautobiographical tale that challenges your perception of reality and imagination, exploring the blurred line where the difference becomes so indistinct as to be meaningless.
Note: Although there is no sex or foul language, sensitive and younger readers should be aware that this book deals with subjects like suicide, murder, depression, and mental illness. Discretion is advised.
“Time is not what you think it is.”
In the summer of 1966, nine-year-old John is thrust into a mystery where his own voice beckons him towards a truth he has carried since birth—a truth with an unspeakable cost.
Meanwhile, across the years, in 1914, another young soul named Edward grapples with the haunting family secrets that bind him. Linked by threads of tragedy, redemption, pain, and triumph, their parallel journeys converge, and the bond between the two boys transcends the limitations of time itself, imparting lessons that echo across the ages. As the narrative unfolds, questions arise: Can these two boys truly cross paths, or are they somehow each other’s imaginary friends?
Set against the fading glory of old St. Joseph, Missouri, ‘The Childgrove’ invites you on a 109-year voyage through a genre-bending, semiautobiographical tale that challenges your perception of reality and imagination, exploring the blurred line where the difference becomes so indistinct as to be meaningless.
Note: Although there is no sex or foul language, sensitive and younger readers should be aware that this book deals with subjects like suicide, murder, depression, and mental illness. Discretion is advised.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2022
10 people are currently reading
884 people want to read
About the author
John Goldsberry
5 books9 followersIn a nutshell, I'm a 60+-year-old asexual male whose inner voice is still the confused child who had more imaginary friends than real ones. I write stories, songs, musicals, and dream-up adventures for the theme park and entertainment industry. If you really want the details, visit https://johncorbingoldsberry.com to see what I'm up to next!
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 28, 2024
The Childgrove is an intriguing story that kept my attention and gave me chills at times. Two boys from different times are connected and provide help to each other at different points. As the story says, “Time is not what you think it is.”
In addition to the story itself, I enjoyed the historical aspect of the book.
I received an e-copy of the book through Goodreads. Thank you to John Goldsberry for the opportunity. I recommend this book. The above comments reflect my own opinions.
In addition to the story itself, I enjoyed the historical aspect of the book.
I received an e-copy of the book through Goodreads. Thank you to John Goldsberry for the opportunity. I recommend this book. The above comments reflect my own opinions.
March 29, 2024
This was an extrordinary story of how our mind helps keep us safe.It had a few places where it lagged,but they were few. Narration by John Corbin Goldsberry was wonderfully done.
February 1, 2023
The best book I’ve read in a long time
Reading this book was like talking with an old friend. Having grown up in St. Joe, and having lived a block from his house for the past 25 years, I felt like I knew the author too. He made the unreal(?) seem real and kept me up nights reading much later than I intended. The story was so well written that there just wasn’t a good place to pause. Thank you, John Goldsberry for sharing you talent and your story.
Reading this book was like talking with an old friend. Having grown up in St. Joe, and having lived a block from his house for the past 25 years, I felt like I knew the author too. He made the unreal(?) seem real and kept me up nights reading much later than I intended. The story was so well written that there just wasn’t a good place to pause. Thank you, John Goldsberry for sharing you talent and your story.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews